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The list of companies threatening to reduce business or leave states that have passed or plan to pass so-called “religious freedom” bills is growing daily. Walmart, Apple, and the Arkansas Chamber of Commerce are among the business interests that have come out against a proposed religious exemption bill in Arkansas.

Georgia lawmakers are considering the passage of a so-called “religious freedom” bill that would overturn all existing state and local civil rights ordinances protecting gay and transgender people. However, SB 129 stands to harm Georgians of all backgrounds. A police officer could refuse to work an event for a cause with which he does not agree. A paramedic could deny care to the child of a same-sex couple. A landlord could evict a hardworking single mother. A high school counselor could turn away a teenager struggling to come to terms with his sexuality.

While anti-LGBT legislation makes its way through legislatures across the country, one state stands out as a beacon of hope. Already in 2015, the incredible team at Freedom Oklahoma fended off a whopping 17 discriminatory bills. We caught up with Executive Director Troy Stevenson to get an inside look at how they won.

Last weekend, Equality Federation staff and our Southern member organizations gathered together in Atlanta for the Federation's Southern Leadership Summit, to share strategies, network, and plan for collaboration to stave off attacks and fight for protections for LGBT individuals.